RUMOR: Scarlett Johnasson Close to Starring in Jurassic World 4?

Movies

Some rampaging dinosaurs are going to feel Black Widow’s sting. In his Insneider blog (via JoBlo due to the paywall), scooper Jeff Sneider claim that Universal has offered Scarlett Johansson the lead role in the next Jurassic World movie. This is still a rumor at the moment, but Sneider has a good track record, with his every scoop about The Fantastic 4 proving true. Jurassic World 4 has had some setbacks in its development, most notably its loss of would-be director David Leitch (which I’m glad about because I like Leitch). Gareth Edwards is now directing the film, with original Jurassic Park (and Jurassic Park 3) writer David Koepp penning the screenplay. This is supposed to be a new era in the Jurassic series, with former leads Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard not returning. While it’s still in the process of locking down its star, Jurassic World 4 does have a solid release date: July 2, 2025. First things first, you know.

If it’s true – and, coming from Sneider, I believe it is – this is a good move on Universal’s part. They need a popular star now that Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard are moseying along, and Scarlett Johansson is bigger than both of them. She’s also a great actress, and while I don’t imagine she’ll have to do much heavy lifting in Jurassic World 4, she’ll at least be a reliable screen presence who can sell whatever wacky dinosaur misadventures she and the rest of the cast get into this time. And if they’re planning to continue this should-never-have-been-a-franchise for at least a few more films, they’re likely trying to sign Johansson to a multi-picture contract. I wonder if she’ll be less receptive to that now that she’s done with Marvel and exploring smaller films that get her to play different roles, like Asteroid City, which I still need to see. (God, she’s worked with some great directors: Wes Anderson, Woody Allen, Brian De Palma, Christopher Nolan, the Coen Brothers!) They may have to match the special effects budget to get her to stick around for more raptor chases.